Open bars, night clubs up to 4 AM or they’ll shut down permanently- Private Sector Commission

Last Updated on Wednesday, 4 November 2015, 16:48 by GxMedia

Bars and night clubs, faced with the likelihood of shutting down because of the 2 AM closure, now hope that a lobby by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) will see government reversing its decision.

The PSC is strongly recommending that consideration be given for bars and night clubs to be open until 4:00 am on Fridays, Saturdays and Public Holidays for those night clubs located in commercial districts and zones and those which comply with building codes that limit noise nuisance.

Further, the in addition, with the upcoming Christmas holidays, “the PSC is recommending the extension and relaxation of the 2:00 am edict to facilitate our visitors for Christmas and into the New Year.  This is especially so, as seek to mark the 50th Anniversary of our Independence in 2016.”

The PSC said the 2 AM closure ordered by Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan to help stem road accidents and domestic violence was having a significant negative impact on businesses within the entertainment industry.

“Many of the businesses are faced with the threat of closure and downsizing as a result of this decision.  It is also our concern that this could have a long term negative impact on our developing Tourism Industry,” said the PSC in a statement. Taxi operators are also crying out about a loss of revenue since the edict.

The business organisation suggested that Ramjattan’s decision was not based on any evidence. “There has been no definitive study on the social impact of the later closure on crime and accidents and this tends to be notional.”

The PSC called on the Minister of Public Security to rethink this strategy and its implications on business.